It contains a group of polyphenols known as catechins, the most abundant of which is the gallate ester.
In a study in mice, researcher found that consumption of green tea polyphenols produces a significant reduction in arthritis incidence, with a marked reduction of inflammatory mediators, neutral endopeptidase activity of IgG and type II collagen specific IgG levels in arthritic joints.
Two most potent catechins, epigallocatechin-3 gallate or EGCG and ECG, actually block cartilage destroying enzymes. When drink green tea, cartilage is better able to stave of the breakdown process and stay intact.
Many study suggest that green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and new research is beginning to explain why.
It has been shown to posses antioxidant activity against a broad range of oxidants and anti-inflammatory activity against pro-inflammatory mediators of chronic disease.
EGCG or epigallocatechin-3 gallate inhibits the expression of the interleukin gene involved in the inflammatory response. EGCG blocked the expression of many biologic parameters that are associated with enhanced inflammatory response.
Green Tea, Arthritis and Inflammation
